Step Inside a Secret Sake Estate: Hakushika Brewery Tour, Nishinomiya

Welcome to a secret sake estate, hidden for a century.

Nada Gogo — Japan's most celebrated sake-producing region. In Nishinomiya, at the very heart of this district, a door to a normally closed world opens just for you.

Gishun-en, the former headquarters of Tatsuuma Honke Brewing (Hakushika), was built over 100 years ago and remains closed to the general public. On this exclusive tour, you'll step inside this extraordinary space, learn the history and culture of sake from the brewery's own staff, and enjoy a guided tasting of three premium sakes. A dedicated interpreter guide accompanies the group throughout to ensure a smooth multilingual experience.

Your journey begins at the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake (Sake Museum), housed in an actual Meiji-era brewery. Next, visit the birthplace of Miyamizu — the legendary spring water essential to Nada sake brewing. At the site where water has flowed unchanged since the Edo period, discover the deep bond between Nishinomiya and the art of sake making.

Then comes the highlight: Gishun-en, located within the brewery company grounds. Listen to a special lecture on Nada sake from the brewery's facility staff while savoring a tasting flight of three carefully selected sakes. After the tour, browse the brewery's direct shop for exclusive souvenirs.

Included

• Visit to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake (Sakagura-kan)
• Visit to the Birthplace of Miyamizu monument and Miyamizu well
• Exclusive entry to Gishun-en, Tatsuuma Honke's historic former headquarters
• Sake lecture and tasting of 3 selected sakes at Gishun-en, led by facility staff
• Interpreter guide accompanying the group throughout the tour
• Free time to explore Sake Museum (Kinen-kan) and direct shop

Not Included

• Transportation to and from the venue
• Personal purchases at the direct shop
• Premium upgrade options (available upon request)

Schedule

• 00:00 Gather at Sake Museum (Sakagura-kan) and orientation (5 min)
• 00:05 Visit to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake, Sakagura-kan (30 min)
• 00:35 Walk to and visit the Birthplace of Miyamizu monument and Miyamizu well (25 min)
• 01:00 Sake tasting and lecture at Gishun-en on the brewery grounds (60 min)
• 02:00 Dismiss — free time to explore Sake Museum (Kinen-kan) and direct shop

Additional Info

• Facility staff of Tatsuuma Honke Brewing will guide you through the experience, with one interpreter guide accompanying the group.
• Participants must be 20 years of age or older, as the tour includes alcohol tasting. Non-drinkers are welcome but pay the same fee.
• Reservation only. Tour dates are subject to availability (closed on Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period).
• The tour runs rain or shine. In the event of a weather warning, the tour will be cancelled.
• The museum shop and other on-site shops may be closed due to special events. The Sake Museum (Kinen-kan), available for self-guided viewing after the tour, may also be temporarily closed during exhibit change periods.
• If you select the food pairing upgrade option, allergy information is required in advance.
• Premium options are available upon request: upgraded sake selection for tasting and/or upgraded food pairing.
• Minimum 6 participants, maximum 40 participants.